Winter is here, and there’s something about a snow day that makes you feel like a kid again, doesn’t it? The kind of day where the outside world is covered in a soft blanket of white, and you get that rare gift of time to slow down, cozy up, and find ways to make the most of the chill. But who says snow days are just for kids building forts or making snow angels? Adults deserve a little winter magic too! Whether you’re looking for something productive, fun, relaxing, or all of the above, I’ve got a great lineup of 27 DIY activities to make your snow day more enjoyable. So, grab your favorite cozy sweater, warm up with a mug of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into some snowy day fun!
1. Make a Homemade Hot Chocolate Bar
One of the best ways to warm up on a cold day is with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Why not take it up a notch by creating a DIY hot chocolate bar? Gather different types of chocolate—think dark, milk, and even white chocolate—and set out toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and peppermint sticks. Invite your partner or roommates to join in, and each person can craft their unique blend. It’s not just about the drink—it’s also a chance to slow down and enjoy a little bit of indulgence together.
Make it even cozier by lighting a few candles and playing your favorite winter playlist in the background. This little ritual will turn an ordinary cup of hot cocoa into a memorable experience. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try spiking your hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s or peppermint schnapps?
2. Create a Snowy Day Scrapbook
If you’ve got a stack of printed photos, old holiday cards, or ticket stubs, today might be the perfect day to finally put them together. A DIY scrapbook is a great way to reminisce about past adventures and create something meaningful. Gather all your supplies—photos, craft paper, scissors, glue, and any decorations like stickers or ribbons—and spend the afternoon getting creative.
Scrapbooking is also a great excuse to dig through your favorite winter memories. You can make a specific theme for your scrapbook, like “Winter Adventures” or “Family Holidays.” You’ll end the day with not only a fun memory of the snow day itself but also a keepsake that’ll bring smiles for years to come.
3. Bake Bread from Scratch
Snow days are all about taking your time, and what better way to do that than baking bread? The process of kneading dough, letting it rise, and enjoying the smell of fresh bread filling your home can be almost meditative. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced baker—there are plenty of beginner-friendly recipes like no-knead bread that still yield fantastic results.
Baking bread is also the perfect way to warm up your home—literally and figuratively. Plus, at the end of the day, you’ll have a warm loaf to enjoy with some butter or jam. It’s a comforting way to make your snow day extra special.
4. Try Your Hand at Candle Making
Candle making is a relaxing craft that results in a beautiful product you can use long after the snow has melted. You’ll need a few simple supplies like soy wax, wicks, jars, and essential oils for fragrance. The process is straightforward—melt the wax, add your scent, and pour it into your container.
You can get creative with the scents to match the winter mood—think cinnamon, vanilla, or even pine. Candle making is not only a fun DIY project, but it’s also a great way to make gifts for friends or family. Plus, there’s nothing like the soft glow of a homemade candle to make a snowy night feel even cozier.
5. Make Your Own Snow Globe
If you’re feeling nostalgic for a bit of childhood magic, making your own snow globe could be just the activity you need. All you need is a jar, some glycerin, glitter, and a small figurine or trinket to feature inside. Simply glue your figurine to the lid, fill the jar with water and a bit of glycerin (this makes the glitter fall more slowly), add glitter, and seal it up.
Give it a shake, and watch as your winter wonderland comes to life. Snow globes make a charming decoration and are a delightful way to capture the essence of a snowy day. They’re also perfect for giving as a homemade gift—if you can bear to part with it!
6. Host a Virtual Game Night
Snow days are the perfect excuse to connect with friends or family, even if they’re miles away. Set up a virtual game night using platforms like Zoom or Skype and play trivia, charades, or Pictionary. There are also plenty of online versions of classic board games you can enjoy together.
The key to a successful virtual game night is to keep it simple and relaxed. It’s all about having fun and sharing a few laughs, which is often exactly what we need on a cold winter day. Don’t forget to grab your favorite snacks and make it feel like a true game night—even if you’re playing from the comfort of your couch.
7. DIY Hand Warmers
If you’re crafty and enjoy sewing, making your own hand warmers is a wonderful way to stay warm during the winter months. You’ll need some fabric (flannel works great), rice, and a needle and thread. Cut the fabric into small squares or rectangles, sew them together (leaving a small opening), fill with rice, and sew shut.
To use them, just pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. These hand warmers are great for slipping into your pockets before you head out to shovel snow or even just to hold onto while you’re sitting on the couch. Plus, they’re reusable and environmentally friendly, which is always a bonus.
8. Make Homemade Bath Bombs
After spending some time outside in the cold, there’s nothing better than a hot bath to warm you up. Why not elevate your bath experience by making your own bath bombs? You’ll need baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, essential oils, and a bit of coconut oil. Mix your dry ingredients, add the oils, and press the mixture into molds—silicone molds work great for this.
You can customize the scents to suit your mood—lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for a refreshing feel, or even peppermint for a holiday twist. Once they’re dry, drop one in the tub and let the fizzy magic begin. It’s a lovely way to treat yourself on a snowy day.
9. Craft a Winter Wreath
Who says wreaths are only for the holidays? A winter-themed wreath can add a cozy touch to your front door or inside your home. Gather materials like pinecones, evergreen branches, berries, and ribbon. You can use a wire wreath frame to keep everything in place, or even make one out of branches you find outside.
Decorate it with whatever feels right for you—maybe some twinkle lights for a bit of glow or a big bow for a festive feel. Making a wreath is a creative way to embrace the winter season and bring a bit of the outdoors inside. Plus, it’s a great project to get your hands busy while enjoying a good movie or podcast.
10. DIY Indoor Herb Garden
If you’re missing the greenery of warmer months, why not bring a bit of it indoors by creating your own herb garden? All you need are some small pots, soil, and herb seeds—basil, rosemary, and thyme are great options for beginners. Arrange them on a windowsill or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
Not only will you have fresh herbs on hand for cooking, but caring for your plants can be a therapeutic way to spend your snow day. Watching something grow, even when it’s cold and snowy outside, can be a wonderful reminder that spring will eventually come.
11. Knit or Crochet a Cozy Scarf
Snow days provide the perfect opportunity to learn (or continue) knitting or crocheting. Scarves are an ideal beginner project, and they’re both practical and stylish. If you’re new to knitting or crocheting, there are countless tutorials online to help you get started, and you can easily find some chunky yarn and needles at a craft store.
There’s something very satisfying about making something useful with your own two hands. The repetitive nature of knitting or crocheting can also be meditative, helping you relax and enjoy the peacefulness of a snowy day. Plus, you’ll end up with a warm, handmade scarf to keep you toasty all winter long.
12. Make a Vision Board for the Year
A snow day is a perfect time to reflect on your goals and dreams for the coming year. Gather some old magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board, and start creating a vision board. Cut out pictures, words, and quotes that resonate with you and represent what you want to achieve or how you want to feel.
This activity is not only creative, but it’s also deeply personal and inspiring. It’s a chance to think about the bigger picture while being in the comfort of your home. Once you’re finished, hang it somewhere you’ll see it often to keep yourself motivated throughout the year.
13. Build a Blanket Fort and Watch Movies
Who says blanket forts are just for kids? Gather all your blankets, pillows, and maybe even some string lights, and create the coziest fort you can imagine. Set it up in your living room, grab your favorite snacks, and settle in for a movie marathon.
Pick some classic winter-themed movies, or go with whatever makes you happiest—it’s your snow day, after all! There’s something magical about watching movies in a fort, and it’s the perfect way to embrace the cozy side of winter.
14. Make Homemade Soap
If you enjoy crafts that are practical and beautiful, making your own soap is an excellent way to spend a snow day. You’ll need a soap base (available at most craft stores), essential oils, and any add-ins like dried flowers or oatmeal. Melt the soap base, mix in your scents and add-ins, then pour into molds to cool.
Homemade soap makes a lovely gift, but it’s also a wonderful way to pamper yourself. You can experiment with different fragrances and ingredients to create a soap that’s just right for you. Plus, the process is straightforward and the results are always satisfying.
15. Paint a Winter Scene
If you’re in the mood to tap into your artistic side, try painting a winter scene. You don’t need to be an expert—the idea is to have fun and express yourself. Gather some paints, brushes, and a canvas or paper, and let the snowy landscape inspire you.
You could paint a serene forest covered in snow, a cozy cabin with smoke curling from the chimney, or even an abstract interpretation of winter colors. This creative outlet is a wonderful way to spend a quiet afternoon, and you’ll end up with a piece of art that captures the essence of your snow day.
16. Make Homemade Potpourri
Fill your home with the warm and comforting scents of winter by making homemade potpourri. You can use ingredients like dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Arrange them in a bowl, and let the natural aromas fill your space.
You can also simmer the ingredients on the stovetop for an even stronger scent—just add water and let it simmer on low heat. The smell will make your home feel even cozier, and it’s a great way to make use of any leftover holiday spices.
17. Make Personalized Mugs with Sharpies
If you’re looking for a simple yet creative project, personalized mugs are a fantastic option. Grab some plain ceramic mugs and oil-based Sharpie markers. Draw or write your design on the mug, let it dry, and bake it in the oven to set the design.
You could add a favorite quote, a winter-themed doodle, or just your initials. Personalized mugs also make great gifts, and they’re a fun way to add a personal touch to your morning coffee or hot cocoa.
18. DIY Aromatherapy Heating Pad
Aromatherapy heating pads are perfect for keeping you warm and cozy on a snow day. All you need is some fabric, rice, and essential oils. Sew the fabric into a pouch, leaving one side open, fill it with rice, and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Sew the pouch closed, and you’re ready to go.
To use it, just heat it in the microwave for about a minute. The warmth and the soothing scent make these heating pads a great way to relax and unwind after a day spent in the cold. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be reused again and again.
19. Make DIY Snowflake Window Clings
Bring the beauty of the snow indoors with homemade snowflake window clings. You’ll need some white glue, wax paper, and glitter. Draw snowflake designs on the wax paper with the glue, sprinkle with glitter, and let them dry completely.
Once dry, peel them off and stick them to your windows. They’re a fun and festive way to decorate for winter, and making them is a relaxing way to pass the time while the snow falls outside.
20. Create a Winter-Themed Puzzle
Puzzles are a classic snow day activity, but why not take it a step further by creating your own winter-themed puzzle? You can draw or print out a winter scene, then glue it onto cardboard and cut it into puzzle pieces.
This activity is both creative and challenging. Once you’ve made the puzzle, spend some time putting it together—it’s a great way to pass the time and keep your brain engaged while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of a snow day.
21. Make Your Own Snow Cream
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not make some snow cream? All you need is some fresh, clean snow, condensed milk, and a bit of vanilla extract. Mix it all together, and you’ve got a unique winter treat that’s surprisingly delicious.
It’s a fun way to make use of the abundance of snow outside, and it’s a perfect nostalgic treat to share with friends or family. Just make sure the snow is clean and safe to eat!
22. Try Indoor Ice Skating
Okay, maybe not exactly ice skating, but you can still get that feeling of gliding around with a bit of creativity. If you have hardwood or tile floors, put on a pair of thick socks and glide around—just make sure to clear the area of any obstacles first!
It’s a silly and fun way to get a bit of exercise indoors, and it’s sure to bring a few laughs. Turn on some music and see who can pull off the most graceful “spin”—just be careful not to fall!
23. Make a Batch of Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are a delicious winter treat that fills your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and sugar. They’re surprisingly easy to make—all you need are pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of water.
Mix the ingredients together, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake until the nuts are toasty and caramelized. They’re perfect for snacking, sprinkling on salads, or even giving as a gift. Plus, making them will make your kitchen smell amazing.
24. Practice Yoga by the Fire
There’s something incredibly peaceful about practicing yoga in the warmth of your own home, especially if you can do it by a crackling fire. Roll out your mat, put on some calming music, and spend some time stretching and breathing.
Yoga is a wonderful way to stay active on a snow day while also relaxing your mind. Even just a few simple poses can help you feel more centered and warm you up from the inside out.
25. Make Your Own Bird Feeder
Snow days can be tough for birds, as food sources become scarce. Why not help out your feathered friends by making a DIY bird feeder? You can use a pinecone, peanut butter, and birdseed. Simply spread peanut butter on the pinecone, roll it in birdseed, and hang it outside.
Watching the birds come to your feeder can be a peaceful way to spend a snowy afternoon, and it’s a great reminder of the beauty of nature, even in the depths of winter.
26. Craft Snow Candles
Snow candles are a beautiful way to light up a winter evening. You’ll need some wax, wicks, and a bit of fresh snow. Melt the wax, pour it into a mold filled with snow, and let it set. The snow creates unique textures in the wax, making each candle one-of-a-kind.
Once they’re ready, light them and enjoy the cozy glow. It’s a simple yet magical way to make your snow day feel extra special.
27. Write Letters to Loved Ones
When was the last time you wrote a handwritten letter? A snow day is a perfect time to sit down and write a letter to a friend or family member. Grab some nice stationery, a pen, and maybe even a cup of tea, and take your time writing something heartfelt.
In our digital age, a handwritten letter is a rare and cherished gift. It’s a wonderful way to connect with someone, share what’s been on your mind, and let them know you’re thinking of them. Plus, writing letters can be a calming and reflective way to spend a quiet afternoon.
Conclusion
Snow days aren’t just for staying under the covers or endlessly scrolling through your phone. With a little creativity, they can be an opportunity to reconnect with hobbies, try something new, or simply embrace the joy of slowing down. Whether you’re crafting, baking, connecting with loved ones, or just embracing the coziness of winter, these DIY activities are sure to make your next snow day memorable. So, the next time you wake up to a world covered in white, take it as a sign to relax, have fun, and make the most of the snowy magic all around you.
